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JOINING THE ARCADIA
Arcadia is an email-based interactive fiction forum
for those who love Star Trek, also called a "sim" (short for simulation). Participants write short chapters called posts, involving a character you create, interacting with other characters (played by other group-members) aboard the starship Arcadia. There are few rules other than those applied to your character. Characters define rules by their natures; for example, if you portray a Vulcan, that character should never display emotion
(however, there may be exceptions). The ongoing plot of the story-line is also a guiding factor.
Our mission is to have fun, seriously. Arcadia is meant to be more than just another Star Trek "roleplaying" group. Our goal is to show the TRUE Star Trek world envisioned by Gene Roddenberry: A world where human beings have set aside their differences, eliminated war, crime, disease and poverty, and dedicated ourselves to self-improvement. As Majel Barrett Roddenberry, widow of the late Mr. Roddenberry, stated: "We are capable of overcoming our difficulties, transcending our baser inclinations and evolving as a species. The fears, prejudices and limitations we impose on ourselves must someday pass, because they are not as real as hope, tolerance and possibility."
Arcadia is a vehicle for commentary on ourselves, by transposing real-life issues into story time, providing material for plots, dialog and character interaction. This was the intent of Star Trek established by Gene Roddenberry. Arcadia continues the saga of life in the 24th century Star Trek universe.
Arcadia's mission, broken down, is:
1) To provide an entertaining story world for both writing participants and outside readers,
2) To enrich and encourage the writing experience itself, and 3) To perpetuate the feeling of being in the Star Trek universe. Arcadia strives to be different. We promote freedom in character concepts, unlike other sims in which certain writing formats, story ideas or character-types are not allowed. Looking for a home for that offbeat alien? Someone from the Delta Quadrant, or maybe another time? You're more likely to be accepted here. Review our Criteria for guidelines. Arcadia's purpose is simple: To break new ground and explore all the exciting possibilities in the Star Trek realm. If you feel suffocated in that other Trek group and can't let loose, or if you just love Star Trek and writing, join us! Here, the bottom line is having fun. However, we expect only seriously committed participants--those who are imaginative, story-driven, and will post regularly to keep up with story-lines. If you have any questions, please contact the GM.
We prefer previous simming experience, but it's not utterly necessary. Arcadia welcomes new and veteran simmers. To join, submit a character bio (short for biography)--name, history, where your character "is" currently in his/her/its life; special abilities, interests, etc., anything else you feel is important--and email it to the GM. You can find a biographical template below, on this page.
Once the GM approves your character, you can start posting (writing your character's life story while aboard the Arcadia). Posts follow a past-tense, "novel" format (usually third-person), but can also be written in script format (as in a Star Trek episode script). Be sure to acknowledge what other characters do, when interacting your character. For examples, visit our public-access posting archive to see how we do it. As always, email any questions to the GM.
Your character is the main rule you will follow. For example, if your character needs an assisted-breathing device in Earth-normal oxygen, and then is suddenly walking around without it, others will wonder why. Feel free to include a sample post involving your character--not only does the GM love a great story, it may increase your chances of getting accepted. Members are accepted based on the amount of detail, enthusiasm and realism in their bios: The better (and more realistic) you make it, the better your chances. Don't feel constrained. Review our Criteria before submitting your application, and we look forward to welcoming you!
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BIOGRAPHICAL TEMPLATE
 Copy and paste the form below into an email. Once complete, send it to the GM. You don't necessarily have to fill out every detail; just enough to turn your character into a realistic, rounded person. Before you fill this out, be sure that 1) the position for which you are applying is available, and 2) you have read and understand our "Criteria". If you're creating a new kind of alien, click here.
NOTE: In-depth details about past missions your character has been involved in, such as how they defeated a certain foe, or how many members were on an away team, etc., are not necessary, unless they contribute some key point to the character's overall makeup. Just stick to the broad strokes.
About ranks: We follow the Starfleet ranking system, but it works differently here. Most new members start as "Ensign" (unless civilian) and proceed up the ladder based on participation and the quality of their posts. Generally, promotions are gained for each year of membership unless the GM decides otherwise. Very rarely does anyone start above Lieutenant. If you feel you can't incorporate a standing of Ensign (perhaps Lieutenant if you're playing a department head) into your character's bio, please contact the GM by email to discuss it.
Your name and age:
Current/previous RPG experience:
How did you find us/Who referred you?:
How often will you post to this sim?:
Email address you want subscribed to the group:
Email address for personal correspondence: (if different from above)
Character Name:
Desired Rank: (awarded based on position, age and experience)
Desired Position: (indicate secondary choice in case first becomes unavailable)
Date & Place of Birth:
Marital Status:
Known Relatives/Next of kin:
Height:
Weight:
Eyes (if applicable):
Hair (if any):
Species/physical description (if new):
Gender (if applicable):
Special Interests:
Decorations, awards, distinctions (if any):
Reprimands (if any):
Education:
Service Record:
Character History/Background:
Personality/Psychological Profile:
Special Notes:
If you have a picture of your character that you
would like posted to this site, include it (or a link to the image) in
your email. (Do not send as an attachment.) Only color images of real people are acceptable. An image is recommended; it helps others to visualize your character. If you don't have one, we may find one for you, so suggest someone--a model, actor, celebrity, etc., or provide a link to a usable image. Ask yourself: "If this were a movie or a TV-show, who would I want to play my character?" Bear in mind that popular actors are often taken, so try to choose someone less-known, yet suited to your vision of the character.
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